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Manufacturing Apps For Quality Management

Quality apps are an important part of a modern Quality Management System (QMS). From in-line quality assurance to quality analytics, to error-eliminating work instructions, apps give manufacturers the power and flexibility they need to improve results at every stage of the manufacturing process.

Here are some examples of apps that engineers can use for enhanced process visibility and advanced quality analytics.

Templates for all of these apps are available with a free trial.

In-Line Quality Assurance

The Challenge

Errors happen. Operators make mistakes, and raw materials might arrive defective from suppliers. While eliminating errors is essential, it’s just as important to prevent them from moving downstream.

In operations with customizable products, high-mix assemblies, or unwieldy paper SOPs, errors can be hard to detect at the source. When errors do occur, it takes valuable time to document the defect and initiate the proper corrective action.

The Solution

Tulip’s Inline Quality Assurance app helps operators catch defects early. Media-rich visual instructions help guide operators through complex assemblies, and IoT enabled devices like scales, cameras, and calipers detect defects and prevent them from moving downstream. Quality Assurance apps can be customized for every product in production, and for manufacturers contending with customization, no code logic lets engineers account for every variation.

While the app is running, Tulip collects data engineers can use to find trends, focus training efforts, and identify root-causes of defects, and other quality analytics.

Defect capture step of quality inspection app
Defect Capture Form in an app

Root Cause Analysis

The Challenge

When something goes wrong, you need to know why, fast. Paper defect reports don’t provide the data engineers need in real-time, and they’re prone to mistakes. Reporting, data collection, and analysis all need to be performed close to the source to prevent downtime and to maximize first-pass yield.

The Solution

Tulip’s root cause analysis app makes it easy for operators to document what went wrong and why. Engineers can customize apps to walk operators through their preferred analysis process, such as a digital Fishbone Analysis or a digital 5 Why Process. Tailored, interactive forms simplify the data collection process, and give a more complete account of defects. Real-time digital dashboards display quality KPIs on the shop floor and let everyone in the operation visualize quality performance. The result is a solid foundation for quality analytics.

Tulip Fishbone Ishikawa Diagram
No-code logic helps gets you to the root cause of problems faster

Visual Quality Inspection

The Challenge

Not all non-conformances are visually obvious. Sometimes, they’re too subtle to detect, and operator fatigue can lead to mistakes. Manufacturers need a way to make sure that defects are visually detected before mistakes lead to scrap or rework.

The Solution

Visual inspection apps give manufacturers an extra set of eyes to prevent defects from moving downstream. Visual work instructions direct operators’ attention to known problem points, while IoT connected cameras can identify defects that operators miss. All photographs are stored can be stored and referenced as necessary, and operators can leave annotations to accompany every photo. All of this leads to fewer defects, greater efficiency, and lower cost of quality.

Tulip Quality Event app
Custom Defect Reporting Form

Ready to take your quality program to the next level? Start a free trial to download templates of these apps or design your own today.